Queensland bill

Legal Profession (Strengthening Disciplinary Matters) Amendment Bill 2026

QLDIn CommitteeFull text

Jurisdiction

Queensland

Making Date

2026-01-01

Collection

bill

Parliamentary Progress

IntroducedFirst ReadingSecond ReadingCommitteePassed HousePassed SenatePassed BothRoyal Assent

Plain English Summary

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What this Bill does, in plain language

Moves most lawyer-discipline decision-making out of the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT or “the tribunal”) and into the Supreme Court for a large class of matters. The Bill inserts new Chapters 6B–6D into the Legal Profession Act 2007 to set out how discipline and related appeals are to be run in the Supreme Court (see new sections 581P–581QS). It keeps a role for the profession’s committee for some discipline hearings (chapter 6C) but shifts many procedural, appeal and enforcement functions to the courts.
Replaces or redirects many references that previously pointed to the tribunal or QCAT so that the Supreme Court becomes the decision‑maker or the forum for review, appeal or enforcement in dozens of existing provisions (examples: ss 32, 33/33A, 62–64, 392–394, 452, 456–462 and many others). Where the tribunal previously could hear or review certain matters, the Bill makes the Supreme Court the body to hear appeals or decide the matter (see schedule 1 mapping and transitional provisions).
Creates new, specific Supreme Court procedures for disciplinary proceedings: quicker and less formal conduct where fair (581PA), an ability for the court to protect confidentiality and prohibit publication (including penalties up to 200 penalty units) (581PB), appointment of two panel members to assist the court for discipline hearings (one lay and one practitioner) (581PG–581PH), and rules about how appeals and rehearings operate in the Supreme Court (581PR–581PT, 581PQ).

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What it does

Mechanically, the Bill transfers many aspects of the legal profession disciplinary scheme that were handled by the tribunal (QCAT), to the Supreme Court, creates new Supreme Court-centric procedural Chapters (6B-6D), and reorganises remaining tribunal/committee processes. The Bill replaces or amends numerous provisions in the Legal Profession Act 2007 to: require information notices to state reasons and appeal rights (s 10); permit early suitability referrals to the Supreme Court and give the Court power to direct the board (ss 32, 33, 33A); move the default forum for starting and hearing disciplinary proceedings and many appeals from the tribunal to the Supreme Court (see, for example, ss 452, 456, 459, 469, and the new chapters 6B-6D); create panels to assist the Supreme Court for discipline applications (ss 581PG-581PH and related relocated provisions); reframe cost rules for Supreme Court proceedings and permit targeted cost orders against lawyers, representatives and interveners (ss 581PV-581PX); introduce statutory prohibition on publications about Supreme Court hearings with a civil penalty (s 581PB); introduce a formal right to obtain written statements of reasons and court enforcement of those statements (ss 713C-713E); allow Attorney-General intervention in Supreme Court proceedings (s 713B); and provide transitional arrangements for existing tribunal matters and panel appointments (chs 10 Pt 10, ss 789-808).

The Bill substitutes many references to "tribunal" with "Supreme Court" and defines "former disciplinary body" to recognise tribunal decisions or proceedings that pre-date the change (s 97 sch 2). It omits, relocates and renumbers large sections that previously governed tribunal constitution, panels and hearings, while inserting new procedural provisions for the Supreme Court (ss 581PA, 581PQ, and schedule 1).

Source excerpts

Direct links to excerpts of the current source text in Legal Profession (Strengthening Disciplinary Matters) Amendment Bill 2026.

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Document excerpt 1

Legal Profession (Strengthening Disciplinary Matters) Amendment Bill 2026

Queensland Legal Profession (Strengthening Disciplinary Matters) Amendment Bill 2026

Queensland Legal Profession (Strengthening Disciplinary Matters) Amendment Bill 2026 Contents Page Part 1 Preliminary 1 Short title . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 2 Commencement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Part 2 Amendment of Legal Profession Act 2007 3 Act amended . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 4 Amendment of s 10 (Information notices) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 5 Amendment of s 26 (Associates who are disqualified or convicted persons) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 6 Amendment of s 29 (Definitions for pt 2.3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 7 Amendment of s 32 (Early consideration of suitability) . . . . . . . . 12 8 Replacement of s 33 (Involvement of tribunal and Supreme Court) 13 33 Appeal to Court of Appeal against board’s refusal to make suitability declaration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 33A Appeal to Supreme Court against board’s refusal to make suitability declaration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 9 Amendment of s 46 (Suitability to hold local practising certificate) 14 10 Amendment of s 51 (Grant or renewal of local practising certificate) 14 11 Amendment of s 54 (Applications relating to conditions) . . . . . . 14 12 Amendment of s 61 (Amending, suspending or cancelling a local practising certificate) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 13 Amendment of s 62 (Operation of amendment, suspension or cancellation of local practising certificate) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 14 Amendment of s 63 (Immediate amendment or suspension of local practising certificate) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 15 Amendment of s 69 (Refusal, amendment, suspension or cancellation of local practising certificate because of failure to show cause) . . . 15 16 Amendment of s 70 (Restriction on making further application) . 16

Contents Legal Profession (Strengthening Disciplinary Matters) Amendment Bill 2026 Page 2 Authorised by the Parliamentary Counsel 17 Amendment of s 76 (Additional condition on interstate legal practitioner engaging in legal practice in this jurisdiction) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 18 Amendment of s 87 (Health assessment) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 19 Amendment of s 98 (Law society and bar association to notify other jurisdictions about particular matters) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 20 Amendment of s 183 (Grant or renewal of local registration) . . . 17 21 Amendment of s 185 (Refusal to grant or renew registration) . . . 17 22 Amendment of s 188 (Amending, suspending or cancelling registration) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 23 Amendment of s 189 (Operation of amendment, suspension or cancellation of registration) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 24 Amendment of s 194 (Refusal, amendment, suspension or cancellation of local registration—failure to show cause) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 25 Amendment of s 195 (Restriction on making further applications) 18 26 Amendment of s 197 (Immediate suspension of registration) . . . 18 27 Amendment of s 208 (Additional conditions on practice of interstate- registered foreign lawyers) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 28 Amendment of s 278 (Disqualification of person as external examiner) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 29 Amendment of s 328 (Setting aside costs agreements) . . . . . . . 19 30 Amendment of s 375 (Time limit for making claims) . . . . . . . . . . 19 31 Amendment of s 377 (Time limit for making claims following advertisement) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 32 Replacement of ch 3, pt 3.6, div 7, hdg (Review) . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 33 Amendment of s 392 (Review of decision on claim) . . . . . . . . . . 22 34 Amendment of s 393 (Review of failure to decide claim within 1 year) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 35 Amendment of s 394 (Proceedings on review) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 36 Amendment of s 396 (Limiting payments from fidelity fund to capped amount) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 37 Amendment of s 420 (Conduct capable of constituting unsatisfactory professional conduct or professional misconduct) . . . . . . . . . . . 24 38 Amendment of s 443 (Powers for investigations) . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 39 Amendment of s 452 (Starting proceeding before a disciplinary body) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 40 Amendment of s 456 (Decisions of tribunal about an Australian legal practitioner) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 41 Replacement of s 457 (Enforcement of orders etc.) . . . . . . . . . . 26 457 Notification of Supreme Court orders . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Contents Legal Profession (Strengthening Disciplinary Matters) Amendment Bill 2026 Page 3 Authorised by the Parliamentary Counsel 42 Amendment of s 459 (Orders to be filed in Supreme Court and information notices to be given to parties etc.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 43 Amendment of s 461 (Compliance with decisions and orders) . . 27 44 Amendment of s 462 (Costs) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 45 Replacement of ch 4, pt 4.10A, hdg (Appeals from decisions of disciplinary bodies) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 46 Omission of s 468 (Appeal may be made to Court of Appeal from tribunal’s decision) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 47 Amendment of s 469 (Application to tribunal for review of committee’s decision) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 48 Omission of s 470 (Appeal to Court of Appeal in relation to a decision of committee) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 49 Amendment of s 471 (Definition for pt 4.11) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 50 Amendment of s 477 (General provisions about disclosure of information) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 51 Amendment of s 491 (Confidentiality of client communications) . 29 52 Insertion of new chs 6B–6D . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Chapter 6B Provisions about proceedings before Supreme Court Part 6B.1 General matters 581P Application of part . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 581PA Procedure for conducting proceeding . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 581PB Prohibited publication about hearing of proceeding . 30 Part 6B.2 Discipline applications Division 1 Preliminary 581PC Application of part . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Division 2 General provisions Division 3 Panels and related matters 581PG Panel to help Supreme Court hear and decide discipline application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 581PH Continuing hearing with only 1 panel member . . . . . 33 Part 6B.3 Particular appeals to Supreme Court 581PP Application of part . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 581PQ Starting appeal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 581PR Appeal against decision of board etc. . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 581PS Appeal against decision of committee . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 581PT Orders on appeal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Part 6B.4 Matters relating to costs 581PU Application of part . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Contents Legal Profession (Strengthening Disciplinary Matters) Amendment Bill 2026 Page 4 Authorised by the Parliamentary Counsel 581PV Costs for particular proceedings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 581PW Costs against lawyer or other representative in interests of justice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 581PX Costs against intervening parties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Chapter 6C Provisions about discipline applications before committee Part 6C.1 Preliminary 581PY Application of part . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Part 6C.2 Hearings Part 6C.3 Conduct of proceedings Part 6C.4 Powers of committee Chapter 6D Particular proceedings before Court of Appeal 581QP Definition for chapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 581QQ General requirements for appeals against particular Supreme Court decisions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 581QR Appeal against particular decisions only with leave . 39 581QS Appeal against particular decisions only on question of law and with leave . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 53 Omission of ch 7, pt 7.2, hdg (Provisions about proceedings before tribunal) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 54 Omission of ch 7, pt 7.2, div 1 (Constitution of tribunal) . . . . . . . 40 55 Omission of ch 7, pt 7.2, div 2, hdg (Panels, panel members and related matters) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 56 Omission of s 599 (Panel to help the tribunal hear and decide discipline application) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 57 Amendment, relocation and renumbering of s 607 (Establishment of panels for helping the tribunal) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 58 Relocation and renumbering of s 608 (Appointment of panel members) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 59 Amendment, relocation and renumbering of s 609 (Remuneration and appointment conditions of panel members) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 60 Relocation and renumbering of s 610 (Termination of appointment) 42 61 Relocation and renumbering of s 611 (Resignation of members) 42 62 Amendment, relocation and renumbering of s 612 (Disclosure of interests) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 63 Relocation and renumbering of s 613 (Protection of panel members) 43 64 Omission of ch 7, pt 7.3, div 5, hdg (Provisions applying to committee for hearings) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 65 Relocation and renumbering of s 639 (Constitution of committee for hearing) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Contents Legal Profession (Strengthening Disciplinary Matters) Amendment Bill 2026 Page 5 Authorised by the Parliamentary Counsel 66 Amendment, relocation and renumbering of s 640 (Conduct of committee for hearing and deciding discipline applications) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 67 Amendment, relocation and renumbering of s 641 (Disclosure of interests) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 68 Relocation and renumbering of s 642 (Protection of members etc.) 44 69 Omission of ch 7, pt 7.4, hdg (Other provisions applying to committee for discipline applications) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 70 Omission of ch 7, pt 7.4, div 1, hdg (Parties to proceedings before committee) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 71 Relocation and renumbering of s 643 (Parties) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 72 Omission of ch 7, pt 7.4, div 2, hdg (Conduct of proceedings) . . 45 73 Relocation and renumbering of s 644 (Public hearings) . . . . . . . 45 74 Relocation and renumbering of s 645 (Procedure for hearing by committee) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 75 Amendment, relocation and renumbering of s 646 (Recording evidence) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 76 Relocation and renumbering of s 647 (Committee may proceed in absence of party or may adjourn hearing) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 77 Amendment, relocation and renumbering of s 648 (Matter may be decided on affidavit evidence) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 78 Relocation and renumbering of s 649 (Standard of proof) . . . . . 46 79 Amendment, relocation and renumbering of s 650 (Prohibited publication about hearing of a disciplinary application) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 80 Omission of ch 7, pt 7.4, div 3, hdg (Powers of committee) . . . . 47 81 Relocation and renumbering of s 651 (Power to disregard procedural lapses) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 82 Relocation and renumbering of s 652 (Directions for hearings) . 47 83 Relocation and renumbering of s 653 (Attendance notice) . . . . . 47 84 Relocation and renumbering of s 654 (Authentication of documents) 47 85 Omission of ch 7, pt 7.4, div 4, hdg (Offences) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 86 Relocation and renumbering of ss 655 and 656 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 87 Omission of ch 7, pt 7.4A, hdg (Provisions applying to tribunal for discipline applications) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 88 Omission of s 656A (Application of pt 7.4A) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 89 Amendment, relocation and renumbering of s 656B (Entitlement to appear at hearing) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 90 Amendment, relocation and renumbering of s 656C (Standard of proof) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 91 Omission of s 656D (Prohibited publication about hearing of a discipline application) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Contents Legal Profession (Strengthening Disciplinary Matters) Amendment Bill 2026 Page 6 Authorised by the Parliamentary Counsel 92 Amendment, relocation and renumbering of s 656E (Power to disregard procedural lapses) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 93 Insertion of new s 713B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 713B Intervention by Attorney-General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 94 Insertion of new ch 8, pt 8.1, div 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Division 3 Statements of reasons 713C Obtaining statement of reasons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 713D Court order requiring statement of reasons be given 51 713E Further statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 95 Insertion of new ch 10, pt 10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Part 10 Transitional provisions for Legal Profession (Strengthening Disciplinary Matters) Amendment Act 2026 Division 1 Preliminary 789 Definitions for part . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Division 2 Making and deciding applications and related matters 790 Applications for review of decisions previously reviewable by tribunal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 791 Existing applications tribunal has started to hear or decide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 792 Application of new s 32 to particular directions . . . . . 55 793 Application of new s 70 to particular reviews . . . . . . 55 794 Application of new s 98 to particular reviews . . . . . . 55 795 Application of new s 375 to particular periods . . . . . . 56 796 Application of new s 377 to particular periods . . . . . . 56 797 Application of new s 396 to particular reviews . . . . . 56 798 Application of new s 474 to particular disciplinary action 57 799 Application of new s 581QQ to particular decisions and directions of tribunal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 800 Existing applications tribunal has not started to hear or decide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Division 3 Orders and related matters 801 Enforcement of particular tribunal orders . . . . . . . . . 58 802 Compliance with particular tribunal orders . . . . . . . . 59 803 Confidentiality of client communications relating to discipline application or disciplinary action of tribunal . . . . . . . . 59 Division 4 Panel members 804 Continuation of appointment of panel member for Supreme

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Contents Legal Profession (Strengthening Disciplinary Matters) Amendment Bill 2026 Page 7 Authorised by the Parliamentary Counsel Court . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 805 Panel members to finish helping tribunal for hearing 60 806 Entitlement of member of practitioner panel to remuneration for helping tribunal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Division 5 Transitional regulation-making power 807 Transitional regulation-making power . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 808 Expiry of division and transitional regulation . . . . . . . 62 96 Insertion of new sch 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Schedule 1 Procedural provisions for Supreme Court for chapters 6B and 6D . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 97 Amendment of sch 2 (Dictionary) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 Part 3 Other amendments 98 Legislation amended . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 Schedule 1 Other amendments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 Legal Profession Act 2007 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 2009 . . . . . . . 66

2026 A Bill for An Act to amend the Legal Profession Act 2007 and the legislation mentioned in schedule 1 for particular purposes

Page 10 Authorised by the Parliamentary Counsel [s 1] Legal Profession (Strengthening Disciplinary Matters) Amendment Bill 2026 Part 1 Preliminary The Parliament of Queensland enacts— Part 1 Preliminary 1 Short title This Act may be cited as the Legal Profession (Strengthening Disciplinary Matters) Amendment Act 2026. 2 Commencement This Act commences on a day to be fixed by proclamation. Part 2 Amendment of Legal Profession Act 2007 3 Act amended This part amends the Legal Profession Act 2007. Note— See also the amendments in schedule 1. 4 Amendment of s 10 (Information notices) (1) Section 10(1)— omit, insert— (1) An information notice is a written notice to a person about a decision relating to the person stating— (a) the decision; and (b) the reasons for the decision; and 1 2 Clause 3 4 5 Clause 6 7 8 9 Clause 10 11 12 13 Clause 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21

Page 11 Authorised by the Parliamentary Counsel [s 5] Legal Profession (Strengthening Disciplinary Matters) Amendment Bill 2026 Part 2 Amendment of Legal Profession Act 2007 (c) if the person may appeal to the Supreme Court or another court against the decision— (i) that the person may appeal to the court against the decision; and (ii) the day by which the appeal must be started. Note— See sections 265(4) and 277(4) in relation to appeals that may, in the circumstances, be made to a court other than the Supreme Court. (2) Section 10(3), ‘apply for a review, or appeal,’— omit, insert— appeal (3) Section 10(3), ‘to apply for review or’— omit. 5 Amendment of s 26 (Associates who are disqualified or convicted persons) Section 26(4)(b), from ‘apply’ to ‘decision’— omit, insert— appeal to the Supreme Court against the decision 6 Amendment of s 29 (Definitions for pt 2.3) (1) Section 29, definition Supreme Court, paragraph (a), ‘a single Supreme Court judge’— omit, insert— a single judge of the Supreme Court (2) Section 29, definition Supreme Court, after paragraph (a)— insert— 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Clause 17 18 19 20 21 Clause 22 23 24 25 26 27 28

Page 12 Authorised by the Parliamentary Counsel [s 7] Legal Profession (Strengthening Disciplinary Matters) Amendment Bill 2026 Part 2 Amendment of Legal Profession Act 2007 (aa) for giving a direction mentioned in section 32(3)(b)—a single judge of the Supreme Court; or (ab) for deciding an appeal made under section 33A—a single judge of the Supreme Court; or (3) Section 29, definition Supreme Court, paragraphs (aa) to (b)— renumber as paragraphs (b) to (d). 7 Amendment of s 32 (Early consideration of suitability) (1) Section 32(3)(b), ‘tribunal’— omit, insert— Supreme Court (2) Section 32— insert— (3A) If an application is referred to the Supreme Court under subsection (3)(b), the court may give a direction to the board as the court considers appropriate. (3) Section 32(4), ‘mentioned in subsection (3)(b)’— omit, insert— given under subsection (4) (4) Section 32(5)— omit. (5) Section 32(3A) and (4)— renumber as section 32(4) and (5). 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Clause 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

Page 13 Authorised by the Parliamentary Counsel [s 8] Legal Profession (Strengthening Disciplinary Matters) Amendment Bill 2026 Part 2 Amendment of Legal Profession Act 2007 8 Replacement of s 33 (Involvement of tribunal and Supreme Court) Section 33— omit, insert— 33 Appeal to Court of Appeal against board’s refusal to make suitability declaration (1) This section applies if, on referral of an application under section 32(3)(b), the Supreme Court directs the board to refuse to make a declaration mentioned in section 32(2). (2) The board must give the applicant for the declaration an information notice about the refusal. (3) The applicant may, within 28 days after being given the information notice, appeal to the Court of Appeal against the refusal. (4) The appeal is by way of rehearing on the evidence given in the matter before the Supreme Court. (5) However, subsection (4) does not prevent the Court of Appeal from giving leave to introduce further evidence, whether fresh, additional or substituted, if the court considers the further evidence may be material to the appeal. (6) The Court of Appeal may make any order it considers appropriate on the appeal. (7) For the appeal, section 10(1) applies to the information notice as if the reference in the provision to the decision were a reference to the refusal mentioned in subsection (1). 33A Appeal to Supreme Court against board’s refusal to make suitability declaration (1) This section applies if the board decides under section 32(3)(c) to refuse to make a declaration Clause 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33

Page 14 Authorised by the Parliamentary Counsel [s 9] Legal Profession (Strengthening Disciplinary Matters) Amendment Bill 2026 Part 2 Amendment of Legal Profession Act 2007 mentioned in section 32(2). (2) The board must give the applicant for the declaration an information notice about the decision. (3) The applicant may appeal to the Supreme Court against the decision. 9 Amendment of s 46 (Suitability to hold local practising certificate) Section 46(2)(d)(i), ‘Supreme Court’— omit, insert— former disciplinary body 10 Amendment of s 51 (Grant or renewal of local practising certificate) Section 51(9), from ‘apply’ to ‘decision’— omit, insert— appeal to the Supreme Court against the decision 11 Amendment of s 54 (Applications relating to conditions) (1) Section 54(2)(b), from ‘apply’ to ‘decision’— omit, insert— appeal to the Supreme Court against the decision (2) Section 54(4)(b), from ‘may’ to ‘decision’— omit, insert— may appeal to the Supreme Court against the decision 1 2 3 4 5 6 Clause 7 8 9 10 11 Clause 12 13 14 15 16 Clause 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24

Page 15 Authorised by the Parliamentary Counsel [s 12] Legal Profession (Strengthening Disciplinary Matters) Amendment Bill 2026 Part 2 Amendment of Legal Profession Act 2007 12 Amendment of s 61 (Amending, suspending or cancelling a local practising certificate) Section 61(3)(b), from ‘apply’ to ‘decision’— omit, insert— appeal to the Supreme Court against the decision 13 Amendment of s 62 (Operation of amendment, suspension or cancellation of local practising certificate) Section 62(3)(a), from ‘the tribunal’ to ‘QCAT Act,’— omit, insert— the Supreme Court may, on application by the certificate holder, 14 Amendment of s 63 (Immediate amendment or suspension of local practising certificate) (1) Section 63(9)(a), from ‘apply’ to ‘tribunal’— omit, insert— apply to the Supreme Court (2) Section 63(9)(b), ‘tribunal’— omit, insert— court (3) Section 63(9)(b), ‘tribunal’s’— omit, insert— court’s 15 Amendment of s 69 (Refusal, amendment, suspension or cancellation of local practising certificate because of failure to show cause) Section 69(3)(b), from ‘apply’ to ‘decision’— omit, insert— Clause 1 2 3 4 5 Clause 6 7 8 9 10 11 Clause 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 Clause 23 24 25 26 27

Page 16 Authorised by the Parliamentary Counsel [s 16] Legal Profession (Strengthening Disciplinary Matters) Amendment Bill 2026 Part 2 Amendment of Legal Profession Act 2007 appeal to the Supreme Court against the decision 16 Amendment of s 70 (Restriction on making further application) (1) Section 70(3), from ‘apply’ to ‘decision’— omit, insert— appeal to the Supreme Court against the decision (2) Section 70(4)(a), ‘application for review of’— omit, insert— appeal against 17 Amendment of s 76 (Additional condition on interstate legal practitioner engaging in legal practice in this jurisdiction) Section 76(3)(b), from ‘apply’ to ‘decision’— omit, insert— appeal to the Supreme Court against the decision 18 Amendment of s 87 (Health assessment) Section 87(5), from ‘apply’ to ‘decision’— omit, insert— appeal to the Supreme Court against the decision 19 Amendment of s 98 (Law society and bar association to notify other jurisdictions about particular matters) (1) Section 98(1)(b), from ‘an application’ to ‘decision’— omit, insert— an appeal to the Supreme Court against a decision (2) Section 98(2) and (3)(b)(ii), ‘review’— 1 Clause 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Clause 10 11 12 13 14 15 Clause 16 17 18 19 Clause 20 21 22 23 24 25

Page 17 Authorised by the Parliamentary Counsel [s 20] Legal Profession (Strengthening Disciplinary Matters) Amendment Bill 2026 Part 2 Amendment of Legal Profession Act 2007 omit, insert— appeal 20 Amendment of s 183 (Grant or renewal of local registration) Section 183(4)(b), from ‘apply’ to ‘decision’— omit, insert— appeal to the Supreme Court against the decision 21 Amendment of s 185 (Refusal to grant or renew registration) (1) Section 185(2)(c), ‘a disciplinary body’— omit, insert— a disciplinary body, the former disciplinary body (2) Section 185(7)(b), from ‘apply’ to ‘decision’— omit, insert— appeal to the Supreme Court against the decision 22 Amendment of s 188 (Amending, suspending or cancelling registration) Section 188(3)(b), from ‘apply’ to ‘decision’— omit, insert— appeal to the Supreme Court against the decision 23 Amendment of s 189 (Operation of amendment, suspension or cancellation of registration) Section 189(3)(a), from ‘the tribunal’ to ‘QCAT Act,’— omit, insert— the Supreme Court may, on application by the person, 1 2 Clause 3 4 5 6 7 Clause 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Clause 16 17 18 19 20 Clause 21 22 23 24 25 26

Page 18 Authorised by the Parliamentary Counsel [s 24] Legal Profession (Strengthening Disciplinary Matters) Amendment Bill 2026 Part 2 Amendment of Legal Profession Act 2007 24 Amendment of s 194 (Refusal, amendment, suspension or cancellation of local registration—failure to show cause) Section 194(3)(b), from ‘apply’ to ‘decision’— omit, insert— appeal to the Supreme Court against the decision 25 Amendment of s 195 (Restriction on making further applications) Section 195(3)(b), from ‘apply’ to ‘decision’— omit, insert— appeal to the Supreme Court against the decision 26 Amendment of s 197 (Immediate suspension of registration) (1) Section 197(8)(a), from ‘apply’ to ‘tribunal’— omit, insert— apply to the Supreme Court (2) Section 197(8)(b), ‘tribunal’— omit, insert— court (3) Section 197(8)(b), ‘tribunal’s’— omit, insert— court’s 27 Amendment of s 208 (Additional conditions on practice of interstate-registered foreign lawyers) Section 208(4)(b), from ‘apply’ to ‘decision’— omit, insert— appeal to the Supreme Court against the decision Clause 1 2 3 4 5 6 Clause 7 8 9 10 11 Clause 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 Clause 23 24 25 26 27

Page 19 Authorised by the Parliamentary Counsel [s 28] Legal Profession (Strengthening Disciplinary Matters) Amendment Bill 2026 Part 2 Amendment of Legal Profession Act 2007 28 Amendment of s 278 (Disqualification of person as external examiner) (1) Section 278(2), (3) and (4), ‘information notice’— omit, insert— QCAT information notice (2) Section 278— insert— (7) A defect in the QCAT information notice does not affect the individual’s right to apply under subsection (6) for a review of the decision to disqualify the individual. (8) In this section— QCAT information notice means a notice complying with the QCAT Act, section 157(2). 29 Amendment of s 328 (Setting aside costs agreements) Section 328— insert— (1B) For a proceeding on an application to the tribunal, the tribunal is to be constituted by a legally qualified member under the QCAT Act. 30 Amendment of s 375 (Time limit for making claims) (1) Section 375(1)(b) and (c)— omit, insert— (b) within a further period, if any, allowed by the law society under subsection (2); or (c) within a further period, if any, allowed by the Supreme Court under subsection (4). (2) Section 375— insert— Clause 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Clause 15 16 17 18 19 20 Clause 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29

Page 20 Authorised by the Parliamentary Counsel [s 31] Legal Profession (Strengthening Disciplinary Matters) Amendment Bill 2026 Part 2 Amendment of Legal Profession Act 2007 (1A) The law society may allow a further period for making a claim on its own initiative or if asked by the prospective claimant. (1B) If, on request by the prospective claimant, the law society decides to refuse to allow a further period for making a claim— (a) the law society must give the prospective claimant an information notice about the decision; and (b) the prospective claimant may appeal to the Supreme Court against the decision. (1C) The Supreme Court may, on an appeal mentioned in subsection (3)(b), allow a further period for making the claim. (3) Section 375(2), from ‘The tribunal’ to ‘subsection (1)’— omit, insert— The law society or the Supreme Court may allow a further period mentioned in subsection (2) or (4) (4) Section 375(2)(b), ‘the tribunal or law society’— omit, insert— the law society or the court (5) Section 375(1A) to (2)— renumber as section 375(2) to (5). 31 Amendment of s 377 (Time limit for making claims following advertisement) (1) Section 377(2)(b) and (c)— omit, insert— (b) within a further period, if any, allowed by the law society under subsection (4); or (c) within a further period, if any, allowed by the Supreme Court under subsection (6). 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 Clause 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

Page 21 Authorised by the Parliamentary Counsel [s 32] Legal Profession (Strengthening Disciplinary Matters) Amendment Bill 2026 Part 2 Amendment of Legal Profession Act 2007 (2) Section 377— insert— (3A) The law society may allow a further period for making a claim on its own initiative or if asked by a prospective claimant. (3B) If, on request by a prospective claimant, the law society decides to refuse to allow a further period for making a claim— (a) the law society must give the prospective claimant an information notice about the decision; and (b) the prospective claimant may appeal to the Supreme Court against the decision. (3C) The Supreme Court may, on an appeal mentioned in subsection (5)(b), allow a further period for making the claim. (3) Section 377(4), from ‘The tribunal’ to ‘subsection (2)’— omit, insert— The law society or the Supreme Court may allow a further period mentioned in subsection (4) or (6) (4) Section 377(4)(b), ‘the tribunal or law society’— omit, insert— the law society or the court (5) Section 377(3A) to (4)— renumber as section 377(4) to (7). 32 Replacement of ch 3, pt 3.6, div 7, hdg (Review) Chapter 3, part 3.6, division 7, heading— omit, insert— Division 7 Appeals 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 Clause 26 27 28 29

Page 22 Authorised by the Parliamentary Counsel [s 33] Legal Profession (Strengthening Disciplinary Matters) Amendment Bill 2026 Part 2 Amendment of Legal Profession Act 2007 33 Amendment of s 392 (Review of decision on claim) (1) Section 392, heading, ‘Review of’— omit, insert— Appeal against (2) Section 392(1), from ‘apply’ to ‘review of’— omit, insert— appeal to the Supreme Court against (3) Section 392(2), from ‘an application’ to ‘(review application)’— omit, insert— an appeal under this section (4) Section 392(2)(a), ‘applicant’— omit, insert— appellant (5) Section 392(2)(b), from ‘the tribunal’ to ‘review application’— omit, insert— the Supreme Court may, on application by the law society, stay the appeal 34 Amendment of s 393 (Review of failure to decide claim within 1 year) (1) Section 393, heading— omit, insert— 393 Application for direction and order for failure to decide claim (2) Section 393(1) and (2)— omit, insert— (1) This section applies if the law society fails to decide a claim within 1 year after the claim was Clause 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 Clause 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29

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Page 23 Authorised by the Parliamentary Counsel [s 35] Legal Profession (Strengthening Disciplinary Matters) Amendment Bill 2026 Part 2 Amendment of Legal Profession Act 2007 made. (2) While the failure continues, the claimant may apply to the Supreme Court for a direction and an order under this section (a relevant application). (3) Section 393(3), from ‘On an’ to ‘(review application)’— omit, insert— If a relevant application is made (4) Section 393(3)(b), from ‘the tribunal’ to ‘review application’— omit, insert— the Supreme Court may, on application by the law society, stay the relevant application (5) Section 393(4), ‘The tribunal may decide the review’— omit, insert— The Supreme Court may decide the relevant application (6) Section 393(4)(a), ‘matter’— omit, insert— claim (7) Section 393(4)(a)(i), ‘tribunal’— omit, insert— court 35 Amendment of s 394 (Proceedings on review) (1) Section 394, heading, ‘review’— omit, insert— appeal (2) Section 394, ‘tribunal’— omit, insert— 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 Clause 23 24 25 26 27 28

Page 24 Authorised by the Parliamentary Counsel [s 36] Legal Profession (Strengthening Disciplinary Matters) Amendment Bill 2026 Part 2 Amendment of Legal Profession Act 2007 Supreme Court 36 Amendment of s 396 (Limiting payments from fidelity fund to capped amount) Section 396(5), definition allowed amount, from ‘reviewed’ to ‘decided by QCAT’— omit, insert— appealed to the Supreme Court, the amount payable in relation to the claim as decided by the court 37 Amendment of s 420 (Conduct capable of constituting unsatisfactory professional conduct or professional misconduct) Section 420(1)(f), ‘a disciplinary body’— omit, insert— a disciplinary body or the former disciplinary body 38 Amendment of s 443 (Powers for investigations) Section 443(4)(b), (5) and (7), ‘tribunal’— omit, insert— Supreme Court 39 Amendment of s 452 (Starting proceeding before a disciplinary body) (1) Section 452(1)(a), ‘tribunal’— omit, insert— Supreme Court (2) Section 452(2)— insert— 1 Clause 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Clause 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Clause 17 18 19 20 Clause 21 22 23 24 25 26 27

Page 25 Authorised by the Parliamentary Counsel [s 40] Legal Profession (Strengthening Disciplinary Matters) Amendment Bill 2026 Part 2 Amendment of Legal Profession Act 2007 Notes— 1 For other provisions relating to proceedings for discipline applications before the Supreme Court, see parts 6B.1 and 6B.2. 2 For other provisions relating to proceedings for discipline applications before the committee, see chapter 6C. 40 Amendment of s 456 (Decisions of tribunal about an Australian legal practitioner) (1) Section 456, heading, ‘tribunal’— omit, insert— Supreme Court (2) Section 456(1), ‘tribunal’, first mention— omit, insert— Supreme Court (3) Section 456(1), ‘tribunal’, second and third mentions— omit, insert— court (4) Section 456(2), ‘The tribunal’— omit, insert— The Supreme Court (5) Section 456(2)(d)(iii), ‘tribunal’— omit, insert— court (6) Section 456(3), ‘The tribunal’— omit, insert— The Supreme Court (7) Section 456(3)(d)(iii), ‘tribunal’— omit, insert— 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Clause 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29

Page 26 Authorised by the Parliamentary Counsel [s 41] Legal Profession (Strengthening Disciplinary Matters) Amendment Bill 2026 Part 2 Amendment of Legal Profession Act 2007 court (8) Section 456(4), (5), (6) and (7), ‘tribunal’— omit, insert— Supreme Court 41 Replacement of s 457 (Enforcement of orders etc.) Section 457— omit, insert— 457 Notification of Supreme Court orders (1) This section applies if the Supreme Court— (a) makes an order under section 456 or 462 or part 4.10 in relation to a discipline application; or (b) makes an order in relation to a discipline application on an appeal under section 469 against a decision of the committee. (2) The registrar must give the Minister a copy of the order and the reasons for the order. 42 Amendment of s 459 (Orders to be filed in Supreme Court and information notices to be given to parties etc.) (1) Section 459, heading— omit, insert— 459 Notification and filing of committee orders (2) Section 459(1), ‘after’— omit, insert— if (3) Section 459(3), from ‘If’ to ‘the application’— omit, insert— If an appeal to the Supreme Court against the 1 2 3 4 Clause 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Clause 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28

Page 27 Authorised by the Parliamentary Counsel [s 43] Legal Profession (Strengthening Disciplinary Matters) Amendment Bill 2026 Part 2 Amendment of Legal Profession Act 2007 decision is not started within the time allowed for making the appeal 43 Amendment of s 461 (Compliance with decisions and orders) Section 461(2)(a) and (3), ‘tribunal’— omit, insert— Supreme Court 44 Amendment of s 462 (Costs) (1) Section 462— insert— (1A) Nothing in subsection (1) requires the disciplinary body to make an order requiring the person to pay costs relating to conduct in which the person has engaged that is not prescribed conduct. (2) Section 462(3), ‘subsection (2)’— omit, insert— subsection (3) (3) Section 462(6)— insert— Note— The Supreme Court may also make orders for costs under sections 581PW and 581PX. (4) Section 462(7) and (8)— omit, insert— (7) In this section— prescribed conduct means unsatisfactory professional conduct, professional misconduct or misconduct in relation to a relevant practice, as mentioned in section 456(1) or 458(1). 1 2 Clause 3 4 5 6 7 Clause 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29

Page 28 Authorised by the Parliamentary Counsel [s 45] Legal Profession (Strengthening Disciplinary Matters) Amendment Bill 2026 Part 2 Amendment of Legal Profession Act 2007 (5) Section 462(1A) to (7)— renumber as section 462(2) to (8). 45 Replacement of ch 4, pt 4.10A, hdg (Appeals from decisions of disciplinary bodies) Chapter 4, part 4.10A, heading— omit, insert— Part 4.10A Appeals from committee decisions relating to discipline applications 46 Omission of s 468 (Appeal may be made to Court of Appeal from tribunal’s decision) Section 468— omit. 47 Amendment of s 469 (Application to tribunal for review of committee’s decision) (1) Section 469, heading— omit, insert— 469 Appeal to Supreme Court against committee’s decision (2) Section 469(1), from ‘apply’ to ‘the decision’— omit, insert— appeal to the Supreme Court against the decision (3) Section 469(2), ‘QCAT for the review’— omit, insert— the Supreme Court for the appeal 1 2 Clause 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Clause 11 12 13 14 Clause 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

Page 29 Authorised by the Parliamentary Counsel [s 48] Legal Profession (Strengthening Disciplinary Matters) Amendment Bill 2026 Part 2 Amendment of Legal Profession Act 2007 (4) Section 469(2)— insert— Note— For other provisions relating to proceedings for the appeal, see parts 6B.1 and 6B.3. 48 Omission of s 470 (Appeal to Court of Appeal in relation to a decision of committee) Section 470— omit. 49 Amendment of s 471 (Definition for pt 4.11) Section 471, definition disciplinary action, paragraphs (a) and (b), ‘tribunal’— omit, insert— former disciplinary body 50 Amendment of s 477 (General provisions about disclosure of information) (1) Section 477(1)(a), after ‘body’— insert— or the former disciplinary body (2) Section 477(1)(c), from ‘, including’ to ‘paragraph (a)’— omit. 51 Amendment of s 491 (Confidentiality of client communications) Section 491(1), ‘under the QCAT Act,’— omit, insert— or order of the Supreme Court 1 2 3 4 5 Clause 6 7 8 9 Clause 10 11 12 13 14 Clause 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 Clause 22 23 24 25 26

Page 30 Authorised by the Parliamentary Counsel [s 52] Legal Profession (Strengthening Disciplinary Matters) Amendment Bill 2026 Part 2 Amendment of Legal Profession Act 2007 52 Insertion of new chs 6B–6D After chapter 6A— insert— Chapter 6B Provisions about proceedings before Supreme Court Part 6B.1 General matters 581P Application of part This part applies in relation to a proceeding before the Supreme Court under a provision of this Act mentioned in schedule 1. 581PA Procedure for conducting proceeding When conducting the proceeding, the Supreme Court— (a) must act as quickly, and with as little formality and technicality, as is consistent with a fair and proper consideration of the issues before it; and (b) is not bound by the rules of evidence; and (c) may inform itself in any way it considers appropriate. 581PB Prohibited publication about hearing of proceeding (1) Before, during or immediately after the hearing of the proceeding, the Supreme Court may make an order prohibiting the publication of information stated in the order relating to— Clause 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27

Page 31 Authorised by the Parliamentary Counsel [s 52] Legal Profession (Strengthening Disciplinary Matters) Amendment Bill 2026 Part 2 Amendment of Legal Profession Act 2007 (a) the proceeding; or (b) the hearing; or (c) an order of the court. (2) A person must not contravene an order under subsection (1). Maximum penalty—200 penalty units. (3) A person must not publish or allow someone else to publish— (a) a question disallowed by the Supreme Court at the hearing; or (b) an answer given to a question disallowed by the Supreme Court at the hearing. Maximum penalty—200 penalty units. (4) Also, the Supreme Court may make an order prohibiting— (a) the issue of the entire or part of a copy of the record made under the Recording of Evidence Act 1962; or (b) the publication of the entire or part of a copy of the record made under the Recording of Evidence Act 1962. (5) A person must not contravene an order under subsection (4). Maximum penalty—200 penalty units. (6) In this section— publish includes publish on radio, television or the internet. record includes an audio recording. Part 6B.2 Discipline applications 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29

Page 32 Authorised by the Parliamentary Counsel [s 52] Legal Profession (Strengthening Disciplinary Matters) Amendment Bill 2026 Part 2 Amendment of Legal Profession Act 2007 Division 1 Preliminary 581PC Application of part This part applies in relation to a proceeding before the Supreme Court for a discipline application. Division 2 General provisions Division 3 Panels and related matters 581PG Panel to help Supreme Court hear and decide discipline application (1) For hearing and deciding a discipline application, the Supreme Court is to be helped by 2 panel members chosen by the registrar and approved by the judge presiding over the proceeding. (2) However, the panel members do not constitute the Supreme Court for hearing and deciding the discipline application. (3) The panel members mentioned in subsection (1) must be— (a) 1 member of the lay panel; and (b) 1 of the following members— (i) if the complaint is about the conduct of a person who, at the time of performing the acts or omitting to do the acts constituting the conduct complained of, was a barrister or, in the opinion of the presiding judge, was engaged in legal practice in the manner of a barrister—a member of the practitioner panel who is a barrister; 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28

Page 33 Authorised by the Parliamentary Counsel [s 52] Legal Profession (Strengthening Disciplinary Matters) Amendment Bill 2026 Part 2 Amendment of Legal Profession Act 2007 (ii) otherwise—a member of the practitioner panel who is a solicitor. (4) The registrar must keep a record of the names of the panel members helping the Supreme Court and the discipline application for which the hearing is held. 581PH Continuing hearing with only 1 panel member (1) This section applies if— (a) 1 of the panel members mentioned in section 581PG(1) (the former panel member) is helping, or is about to help, the Supreme Court hear and decide a discipline application; and (b) any of the following events happens— (i) the appointment of the panel member is ended or terminated under section 581PL(1) or (2); (ii) the panel member disqualifies themself in relation to the hearing under section 581PN(2); (iii) the panel member becomes unavailable to help, or to continue to help, the court hear and decide the application; (iv) the panel member otherwise stops being a panel member or stops helping the court to hear and decide the application; and (c) the other panel member can continue to help the court hear and decide the application. (2) Despite section 581PG(1), the Supreme Court may continue to hear and decide the discipline application in the absence of the former panel member if the court considers— 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34

Page 34 Authorised by the Parliamentary Counsel [s 52] Legal Profession (Strengthening Disciplinary Matters) Amendment Bill 2026 Part 2 Amendment of Legal Profession Act 2007 (a) it is in the interests of justice to continue to hear and decide the application; and (b) that not continuing to hear and decide the application would cause undue delay or expense for a party to the application. (3) This section does not authorise the Supreme Court to hear and decide a discipline application without being helped by at least 1 panel member. Part 6B.3 Particular appeals to Supreme Court 581PP Application of part This part applies in relation to an appeal to the Supreme Court against a decision under a provision of this Act mentioned in schedule 1, part 1. 581PQ Starting appeal The appeal must be started within— (a) for a person who has been given an information notice about the decision—28 days after the day the person is given the notice; or (b) for a person who has not been given an information notice about the decision—28 days after the day the person becomes aware of the decision. Note— See, however, section 15(2) under which the Supreme Court may allow an appeal after the stated number of days to appeal. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29

Page 35 Authorised by the Parliamentary Counsel [s 52] Legal Profession (Strengthening Disciplinary Matters) Amendment Bill 2026 Part 2 Amendment of Legal Profession Act 2007 581PR Appeal against decision of board etc. (1) This section applies if the decision was made by the board, the bar association or the law society (each the decision-maker) under this Act. (2) The appeal is by way of a fresh hearing unaffected by the decision. (3) Fresh evidence or evidence in addition to, or in substitution for, the evidence before the decision-maker may be given on the appeal. 581PS Appeal against decision of committee (1) This section applies if the decision was made by the committee. (2) The appeal is by way of rehearing on the evidence given in the matter before the committee. (3) However, subsection (2) does not prevent the Supreme Court from giving leave to introduce further evidence, whether fresh, additional or substituted, if the court considers the further evidence may be material to the appeal. 581PT Orders on appeal In the proceeding for the appeal, the Supreme Court may make any of the following orders— (a) an order confirming or amending the decision; (b) an order setting aside the decision and substituting its own decision; (c) an order setting aside the decision and returning the matter for reconsideration to the entity that made the decision, with the directions the court considers appropriate; 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

Page 36 Authorised by the Parliamentary Counsel [s 52] Legal Profession (Strengthening Disciplinary Matters) Amendment Bill 2026 Part 2 Amendment of Legal Profession Act 2007 (d) any other order the court considers appropriate. Part 6B.4 Matters relating to costs 581PU Application of part Unless otherwise provided, this part applies in relation to a proceeding before the Supreme Court under a provision of this Act mentioned in schedule 1. 581PV Costs for particular proceedings (1) Each party to the proceeding must bear the party’s own costs of the proceeding. (2) Subsection (1) applies subject to subsection (3) and sections 581PW and 581PX. (3) The Supreme Court may make an order requiring a party to the proceeding to pay all or a stated part of the costs of another party to the proceeding if the court considers the interests of justice require it to make the order. (4) This section does not apply in relation to a proceeding for a discipline application. Note— For orders for costs for proceedings for discipline applications, see section 462. 581PW Costs against lawyer or other representative in interests of justice (1) This section applies if the Supreme Court considers a lawyer for, or another representative of, a party to the proceeding, rather than the party, 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29

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Page 37 Authorised by the Parliamentary Counsel [s 52] Legal Profession (Strengthening Disciplinary Matters) Amendment Bill 2026 Part 2 Amendment of Legal Profession Act 2007 is responsible for unnecessarily disadvantaging another party to the proceeding. (2) The Supreme Court may make an order for costs requiring the lawyer or representative to pay a stated amount to the other party as compensation for the unnecessary costs. (3) Before making an order for costs under subsection (2), the Supreme Court must give the lawyer or representative a reasonable opportunity to be heard in relation to making the order. 581PX Costs against intervening parties (1) If the Attorney-General intervenes in the proceeding for the State, the Supreme Court may make an order for costs requiring the State to pay a stated amount to a party to the proceeding as compensation for all or a part of the costs reasonably incurred by the party as a result of the intervention. (2) If the Supreme Court gives leave to a person to intervene in the proceeding, the court may make an order for costs requiring the person to pay a stated amount to a party to the proceeding as compensation for all or a part of the costs reasonably incurred by the party as a result of the intervention. Chapter 6C Provisions about discipline applications before committee Part 6C.1 Preliminary 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

Page 38 Authorised by the Parliamentary Counsel [s 52] Legal Profession (Strengthening Disciplinary Matters) Amendment Bill 2026 Part 2 Amendment of Legal Profession Act 2007 581PY Application of part This part applies in relation to a proceeding before the committee for a discipline application. Part 6C.2 Hearings Part 6C.3 Conduct of proceedings Part 6C.4 Powers of committee Chapter 6D Particular proceedings before Court of Appeal 581QP Definition for chapter In this chapter— decision, of the Supreme Court, includes— (a) an order made by the court; and (b) an order of the court mentioned in section 459(4); and (c) a direction given by the court. 581QQ General requirements for appeals against particular Supreme Court decisions (1) This section applies in relation to a decision of the Supreme Court made— (a) on appeal, from a decision of the bar association, the board, the committee or the 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23

Page 39 Authorised by the Parliamentary Counsel [s 52] Legal Profession (Strengthening Disciplinary Matters) Amendment Bill 2026 Part 2 Amendment of Legal Profession Act 2007 law society, under a provision of this Act mentioned in schedule 1, part 1; or (b) under a provision of this Act mentioned in schedule 1, part 2. (2) However, this section applies in relation to a decision of the Supreme Court subject to sections 581QR and 581QS. (3) A party who is dissatisfied with the decision, or the Minister, may appeal to the Court of Appeal against the decision. (4) The appeal is by way of rehearing on the evidence given in the matter before the Supreme Court. (5) However, subsection (4) does not prevent the Court of Appeal from giving leave to introduce further evidence, whether fresh, additional or substituted, if the court considers the further evidence may be material to the appeal. (6) The Court of Appeal may make any order it considers appropriate on the appeal. 581QR Appeal against particular decisions only with leave (1) This section applies in relation to a decision of the committee mentioned in section 459(1) that has become an order of the Supreme Court under section 459(4). (2) An appeal to the Court of Appeal against the decision may be made only with the leave of the Court of Appeal. (3) The appeal is by way of rehearing on the evidence given in the matter before the committee. (4) However, subsection (3) does not prevent the Court of Appeal from giving leave to introduce further evidence, whether fresh, additional or substituted, if the court considers the further 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34

Page 40 Authorised by the Parliamentary Counsel [s 53] Legal Profession (Strengthening Disciplinary Matters) Amendment Bill 2026 Part 2 Amendment of Legal Profession Act 2007 evidence may be material to the appeal. 581QS Appeal against particular decisions only on question of law and with leave (1) This section applies in relation to a decision of the Supreme Court made on appeal from a decision of the committee under section 469(1). (2) An appeal to the Court of Appeal against the decision may be made only— (a) on a question of law; and (b) with the leave of the Court of Appeal. (3) Section 581QQ(4) does not apply in relation to the appeal. (4) The Court of Appeal may give leave to introduce further evidence, whether fresh, additional or substituted, if the court considers the further evidence may be material to the appeal. 53 Omission of ch 7, pt 7.2, hdg (Provisions about proceedings before tribunal) Chapter 7, part 7.2, heading— omit. 54 Omission of ch 7, pt 7.2, div 1 (Constitution of tribunal) Chapter 7, part 7.2, division 1— omit. 55 Omission of ch 7, pt 7.2, div 2, hdg (Panels, panel members and related matters) Chapter 7, part 7.2, division 2, heading— omit. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Clause 17 18 19 20 Clause 21 22 23 Clause 24 25 26 27

Page 41 Authorised by the Parliamentary Counsel [s 56] Legal Profession (Strengthening Disciplinary Matters) Amendment Bill 2026 Part 2 Amendment of Legal Profession Act 2007 56 Omission of s 599 (Panel to help the tribunal hear and decide discipline application) Section 599— omit. 57 Amendment, relocation and renumbering of s 607 (Establishment of panels for helping the tribunal) (1) Section 607, heading, ‘the tribunal’— omit, insert— Supreme Court (2) Section 607— relocate to part 6B.2, division 3, as inserted by this Act, and renumber as section 581PI. 58 Relocation and renumbering of s 608 (Appointment of panel members) Section 608— relocate to part 6B.2, division 3, as inserted by this Act, and renumber as section 581PJ. 59 Amendment, relocation and renumbering of s 609 (Remuneration and appointment conditions of panel members) (1) Section 609(1), ‘A member of the lay panel’— omit, insert— A panel member (2) Section 609(1), ‘tribunal’— omit, insert— Supreme Court (3) Section 609(2), ‘lay’— Clause 1 2 3 4 Clause 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Clause 13 14 15 16 17 Clause 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27

Page 42 Authorised by the Parliamentary Counsel [s 60] Legal Profession (Strengthening Disciplinary Matters) Amendment Bill 2026 Part 2 Amendment of Legal Profession Act 2007 omit, insert— panel (4) Section 609(2), ‘section 610’— omit, insert— section 581PL (5) Section 609(3), from ‘member’ to ‘holds’— omit, insert— panel member holds (6) Section 609— relocate to part 6B.2, division 3, as inserted by this Act, and renumber as section 581PK. 60 Relocation and renumbering of s 610 (Termination of appointment) Section 610— relocate to part 6B.2, division 3, as inserted by this Act, and renumber as section 581PL. 61 Relocation and renumbering of s 611 (Resignation of members) Section 611— relocate to part 6B.2, division 3, as inserted by this Act, and renumber as section 581PM. 62 Amendment, relocation and renumbering of s 612 (Disclosure of interests) (1) Section 612(1), ‘tribunal’, first mention— omit, insert— Supreme Court (2) Section 612(1), ‘tribunal’, second mention— 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Clause 12 13 14 15 16 Clause 17 18 19 20 21 Clause 22 23 24 25 26 27

Page 43 Authorised by the Parliamentary Counsel [s 63] Legal Profession (Strengthening Disciplinary Matters) Amendment Bill 2026 Part 2 Amendment of Legal Profession Act 2007 omit, insert— court (3) Section 612(1)(a)— omit, insert— (a) the judge presiding over the proceeding; and (4) Section 612(2), ‘himself or herself’— omit, insert— themself (5) Section 612(4)— omit. (6) Section 612— relocate to part 6B.2, division 3, as inserted by this Act, and renumber as section 581PN. 63 Relocation and renumbering of s 613 (Protection of panel members) Section 613— relocate to part 6B.2, division 3, as inserted by this Act, and renumber as section 581PO. 64 Omission of ch 7, pt 7.3, div 5, hdg (Provisions applying to committee for hearings) Chapter 7, part 7.3, division 5, heading— omit. 65 Relocation and renumbering of s 639 (Constitution of committee for hearing) Section 639— relocate to part 6C.2, as inserted by this Act, and renumber as section 581PZ. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Clause 14 15 16 17 18 Clause 19 20 21 22 Clause 23 24 25 26 27

Page 44 Authorised by the Parliamentary Counsel [s 66] Legal Profession (Strengthening Disciplinary Matters) Amendment Bill 2026 Part 2 Amendment of Legal Profession Act 2007 66 Amendment, relocation and renumbering of s 640 (Conduct of committee for hearing and deciding discipline applications) (1) Section 640(4), ‘section 639(2)’— omit, insert— section 581PZ(2) (2) Section 640— relocate to part 6C.2, as inserted by this Act, and renumber as section 581QA. 67 Amendment, relocation and renumbering of s 641 (Disclosure of interests) (1) Section 641(6), from ‘tribunal’ to ‘QCAT Act’— omit, insert— Supreme Court (2) Section 641— relocate to part 6C.2, as inserted by this Act, and renumber as section 581QB. 68 Relocation and renumbering of s 642 (Protection of members etc.) Section 642— relocate to part 6C.2, as inserted by this Act, and renumber as section 581QC. 69 Omission of ch 7, pt 7.4, hdg (Other provisions applying to committee for discipline applications) Chapter 7, part 7.4, heading— omit. Clause 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Clause 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Clause 18 19 20 21 22 Clause 23 24 25 26

Page 45 Authorised by the Parliamentary Counsel [s 70] Legal Profession (Strengthening Disciplinary Matters) Amendment Bill 2026 Part 2 Amendment of Legal Profession Act 2007 70 Omission of ch 7, pt 7.4, div 1, hdg (Parties to proceedings before committee) Chapter 7, part 7.4, division 1, heading— omit. 71 Relocation and renumbering of s 643 (Parties) Section 643— relocate to part 6C.3, as inserted by this Act, and renumber as section 581QD. 72 Omission of ch 7, pt 7.4, div 2, hdg (Conduct of proceedings) Chapter 7, part 7.4, division 2, heading— omit. 73 Relocation and renumbering of s 644 (Public hearings) Section 644— relocate to part 6C.3, as inserted by this Act, and renumber as section 581QE. 74 Relocation and renumbering of s 645 (Procedure for hearing by committee) Section 645— relocate to part 6C.3, as inserted by this Act, and renumber as section 581QF. 75 Amendment, relocation and renumbering of s 646 (Recording evidence) (1) Section 646(2), ‘section 650’— omit, insert— Clause 1 2 3 4 Clause 5 6 7 8 Clause 9 10 11 12 Clause 13 14 15 16 Clause 17 18 19 20 21 Clause 22 23 24 25

Page 46 Authorised by the Parliamentary Counsel [s 76] Legal Profession (Strengthening Disciplinary Matters) Amendment Bill 2026 Part 2 Amendment of Legal Profession Act 2007 section 581QK (2) Section 646— relocate to part 6C.3, as inserted by this Act, and renumber as section 581QG. 76 Relocation and renumbering of s 647 (Committee may proceed in absence of party or may adjourn hearing) Section 647— relocate to part 6C.3, as inserted by this Act, and renumber as section 581QH. 77 Amendment, relocation and renumbering of s 648 (Matter may be decided on affidavit evidence) (1) Section 648(b), ‘if the other party does not appear and’— omit, insert— without the written consent of the other party if (2) Section 648— relocate to part 6C.3, as inserted by this Act, and renumber as section 581QI. 78 Relocation and renumbering of s 649 (Standard of proof) Section 649— relocate to part 6C.3, as inserted by this Act, and renumber as section 581QJ. 79 Amendment, relocation and renumbering of s 650 (Prohibited publication about hearing of a disciplinary application) (1) Section 650, heading, ‘a disciplinary’— omit, insert— discipline 1 2 3 4 Clause 5 6 7 8 9 Clause 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Clause 18 19 20 21 Clause 22 23 24 25 26 27

Page 47 Authorised by the Parliamentary Counsel [s 80] Legal Profession (Strengthening Disciplinary Matters) Amendment Bill 2026 Part 2 Amendment of Legal Profession Act 2007 (2) Section 650— relocate to part 6C.3, as inserted by this Act, and renumber as section 581QK. 80 Omission of ch 7, pt 7.4, div 3, hdg (Powers of committee) Chapter 7, part 7.4, division 3, heading— omit. 81 Relocation and renumbering of s 651 (Power to disregard procedural lapses) Section 651— relocate to part 6C.4, as inserted by this Act, and renumber as section 581QL. 82 Relocation and renumbering of s 652 (Directions for hearings) Section 652— relocate to part 6C.4, as inserted by this Act, and renumber as section 581QM. 83 Relocation and renumbering of s 653 (Attendance notice) Section 653— relocate to part 6C.4, as inserted by this Act, and renumber as section 581QN. 84 Relocation and renumbering of s 654 (Authentication of documents) Section 654— relocate to part 6C.4, as inserted by this Act, and renumber as section 581QO. 1 2 3 Clause 4 5 6 Clause 7 8 9 10 11 Clause 12 13 14 15 16 Clause 17 18 19 20 Clause 21 22 23 24 25

Page 48 Authorised by the Parliamentary Counsel [s 85] Legal Profession (Strengthening Disciplinary Matters) Amendment Bill 2026 Part 2 Amendment of Legal Profession Act 2007 85 Omission of ch 7, pt 7.4, div 4, hdg (Offences) Chapter 7, part 7.4, division 4, heading— omit. 86 Relocation and renumbering of ss 655 and 656 Sections 655 and 656— relocate to part 4.13 and renumber as sections 487A and 487B. 87 Omission of ch 7, pt 7.4A, hdg (Provisions applying to tribunal for discipline applications) Chapter 7, part 7.4A, heading— omit. 88 Omission of s 656A (Application of pt 7.4A) Section 656A— omit. 89 Amendment, relocation and renumbering of s 656B (Entitlement to appear at hearing) (1) Section 656B, ‘tribunal’, first mention— omit, insert— Supreme Court (2) Section 656B(b), ‘tribunal’— omit, insert— court (3) Section 656B— relocate to part 6B.2, division 2, as inserted by this Act, and renumber as section 581PD. Clause 1 2 3 Clause 4 5 6 7 Clause 8 9 10 11 Clause 12 13 14 Clause 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25

Page 49 Authorised by the Parliamentary Counsel [s 90] Legal Profession (Strengthening Disciplinary Matters) Amendment Bill 2026 Part 2 Amendment of Legal Profession Act 2007 90 Amendment, relocation and renumbering of s 656C (Standard of proof) (1) Section 656C(1), ‘tribunal’, first mention— omit, insert— Supreme Court (2) Section 656C(1), ‘tribunal’, second mention— omit, insert— court (3) Section 656C(1), ‘the body is’— omit. (4) Section 656C— relocate to part 6B.2, division 2, as inserted by this Act, and renumber as section 581PE. 91 Omission of s 656D (Prohibited publication about hearing of a discipline application) Section 656D— omit. 92 Amendment, relocation and renumbering of s 656E (Power to disregard procedural lapses) (1) Section 656E(1), ‘tribunal’, first mention— omit, insert— Supreme Court (2) Section 656E(1), ‘tribunal’, second mention— omit, insert— court (3) Section 656E(3), ‘tribunal’s’— omit, insert— Clause 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Clause 14 15 16 17 Clause 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27

Page 50 Authorised by the Parliamentary Counsel [s 93] Legal Profession (Strengthening Disciplinary Matters) Amendment Bill 2026 Part 2 Amendment of Legal Profession Act 2007 Supreme Court’s (4) Section 656E— relocate to part 6B.2, division 2, as inserted by this Act, and renumber as section 581PF. 93 Insertion of new s 713B After section 713A— insert— 713B Intervention by Attorney-General The Attorney-General may, for the State, intervene in a proceeding in the Supreme Court under this Act at any time. 94 Insertion of new ch 8, pt 8.1, div 3 Chapter 8, part 8.1— insert— Division 3 Statements of reasons 713C Obtaining statement of reasons (1) This section applies if— (a) the bar association, the board or the law society (each a decision-maker) makes a decision under this Act; and (b) a person may appeal to the Supreme Court against the decision; and (c) the person has not been given a written statement of the reasons for the decision. (2) The person may ask the decision-maker to give the person a written statement of the reasons for the decision. 1 2 3 4 Clause 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Clause 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27

Page 51 Authorised by the Parliamentary Counsel [s 94] Legal Profession (Strengthening Disciplinary Matters) Amendment Bill 2026 Part 2 Amendment of Legal Profession Act 2007 (3) The request must— (a) be in writing, whether in paper or electronic form; and (b) be made within 14 days after— (i) if the person was notified of the decision—the day the person was notified; or (ii) if subparagraph (i) does not apply—the day the person became aware of the decision. (4) The decision-maker must give the person the statement within a reasonable period of not more than 28 days after the request is made. Note— See the Acts Interpretation Act 1954, section 27B in relation to the content of the statement. 713D Court order requiring statement of reasons be given (1) This section applies if— (a) under section 713C, a person has asked a decision-maker for a written statement of the reasons for a decision; and (b) the decision-maker has not given the person the statement under section 713C(4). (2) The person may apply to the Supreme Court for an order that the decision-maker give the person the statement. (3) If the person applies for an order under subsection (2), the person must give written notice of the application to the decision-maker. (4) If the Supreme Court is satisfied the person is entitled to receive the statement, the court may make an order requiring the decision-maker to 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33

retrieval-0005

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Page 52 Authorised by the Parliamentary Counsel [s 95] Legal Profession (Strengthening Disciplinary Matters) Amendment Bill 2026 Part 2 Amendment of Legal Profession Act 2007 give the person the statement within the period of not more than 28 days stated in the order. 713E Further statement (1) This section applies if, under this division, a decision-maker gives a person a written statement of the reasons for a decision— (a) under section 713C(4); or (b) in response to an order under section 713D(4). (2) The person may apply to the Supreme Court for an order under this section against the decision-maker. (3) If the Supreme Court considers the statement does not contain adequate particulars of the reasons for the decision, the court may make an order requiring the decision-maker to give the person, within a stated period, an additional statement containing further and better particulars about stated matters. 95 Insertion of new ch 10, pt 10 Chapter 10— insert— Part 10 Transitional provisions for Legal Profession (Strengthening Disciplinary Matters) Amendment Act 2026 Division 1 Preliminary 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 Clause 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28

Page 53 Authorised by the Parliamentary Counsel [s 95] Legal Profession (Strengthening Disciplinary Matters) Amendment Bill 2026 Part 2 Amendment of Legal Profession Act 2007 789 Definitions for part In this part— amendment Act means the Legal Profession (Strengthening Disciplinary Matters) Amendment Act 2026. former, in relation to a provision of this Act, whether generally or by reference to a stated provision, means the provision as in force from time to time before the commencement of the transitional provision in which the term is used. hear or decide, an application, does not include conducting a proceeding for making an order or another decision pending the final hearing of the application. new, in relation to a provision of this Act, means the provision as in force from the commencement of the transitional provision in which the term is used. transitional provision means a provision of this part. Division 2 Making and deciding applications and related matters 790 Applications for review of decisions previously reviewable by tribunal (1) This section applies if— (a) before the commencement, an entity made a decision affecting a person under this Act; and (b) immediately before the commencement— 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

Page 54 Authorised by the Parliamentary Counsel [s 95] Legal Profession (Strengthening Disciplinary Matters) Amendment Bill 2026 Part 2 Amendment of Legal Profession Act 2007 (i) the person could have, but had not, applied to the tribunal for a review of the decision under a former provision; and (ii) the period allowed for making the application under the QCAT Act, section 33 (the original period) had not ended; and (c) the person would be able to appeal to the Supreme Court against the decision under a new provision if the decision were made after the commencement. (2) The person may, within the original period, appeal to the Supreme Court against the decision under the new provision. (3) If the person does not appeal against the decision within the original period, the Supreme Court may allow the person to appeal against the decision after the original period has ended if the court considers it appropriate having regard to the extent of, and reasons for, the delay. 791 Existing applications tribunal has started to hear or decide (1) This section applies if— (a) before the commencement— (i) an application was made, referred or transferred to the tribunal under a former provision (the existing application); and (ii) the tribunal had started to hear or decide, but had not finished hearing or deciding, the application; and (b) after the commencement, an application (however called) or an appeal seeking relief 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34

Page 55 Authorised by the Parliamentary Counsel [s 95] Legal Profession (Strengthening Disciplinary Matters) Amendment Bill 2026 Part 2 Amendment of Legal Profession Act 2007 in the nature of the relief sought in the existing application would be authorised or required under a new provision to be made, referred or transferred to the Supreme Court. (2) The tribunal must continue to deal with the existing application as if the amendment Act had not been enacted. (3) Without limiting subsection (2), the tribunal may make an order or give a direction in relation to the existing application that the tribunal could have made or given under this Act as in force immediately before the commencement. 792 Application of new s 32 to particular directions The reference in new section 32(5) to a direction given under new section 32(4) includes a reference to a direction given by the tribunal under former section 32(3)(b), whether before the commencement or after the commencement under section 791. 793 Application of new s 70 to particular reviews The reference in new section 70(4)(a) to a successful appeal against a decision under that section includes a reference to a successful application to the tribunal under former section 70(3) for a review of the decision under that section, whether the application was decided before the commencement or after the commencement under section 791. 794 Application of new s 98 to particular reviews (1) The reference in new section 98(1)(b) to a lawyer being successful in an appeal to the Supreme 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32

Page 56 Authorised by the Parliamentary Counsel [s 95] Legal Profession (Strengthening Disciplinary Matters) Amendment Bill 2026 Part 2 Amendment of Legal Profession Act 2007 Court against a decision includes a reference to the lawyer being successful in an application to the tribunal for a review of the decision, whether the application was decided before the commencement or after the commencement under section 791. (2) The reference in new section 98(2) and (3)(b)(ii) to the result of the appeal includes a reference to the result of the review mentioned in subsection (1). 795 Application of new s 375 to particular periods The reference in new section 375(1)(c) to a further period allowed by the Supreme Court under new section 375(4) includes a reference to a further period allowed by the tribunal on an application mentioned in former section 375(1)(c), whether the application was decided before the commencement or after the commencement under section 791. 796 Application of new s 377 to particular periods The reference in new section 377(2)(c) to a further period allowed by the Supreme Court under new section 377(6) includes a reference to a further period allowed by the tribunal as mentioned in former section 377(2)(c), whether before the commencement or after the commencement under section 791. 797 Application of new s 396 to particular reviews The reference in new section 396(5), definition allowed amount to an appeal to the Supreme Court against a claim decided by the law society includes a reference to a review by the tribunal mentioned in former section 396(5), definition 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33

Page 57 Authorised by the Parliamentary Counsel [s 95] Legal Profession (Strengthening Disciplinary Matters) Amendment Bill 2026 Part 2 Amendment of Legal Profession Act 2007 allowed amount, whether the review was decided before the commencement or after the commencement under section 791. 798 Application of new s 474 to particular disciplinary action New section 474 applies in relation to disciplinary action as if a reference in the section to a review included a reference to a review by the tribunal under a former provision, whether the review was decided before the commencement or after the commencement under section 791. 799 Application of new s 581QQ to particular decisions and directions of tribunal (1) This section applies if, after the commencement, the tribunal makes an order or gives a direction under section 791. (2) New section 581QQ applies in relation to the order or direction as if— (a) the order or direction had been made or given by the Supreme Court; and (b) the reference in new section 581QQ(4) to the Supreme Court were a reference to the tribunal. (3) However, if the order is made under former section 469(1), new section 581QQ as applied under subsection (2) applies in relation to the order subject to new section 581QS. 800 Existing applications tribunal has not started to hear or decide (1) This section applies if— (a) before the commencement— 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

Page 58 Authorised by the Parliamentary Counsel [s 95] Legal Profession (Strengthening Disciplinary Matters) Amendment Bill 2026 Part 2 Amendment of Legal Profession Act 2007 (i) an application was made, referred or transferred to the tribunal under a former provision (the existing application); and (ii) the tribunal had not started to hear or decide the application; and (b) after the commencement, an application (however called) or an appeal seeking relief in the nature of the relief sought in the existing application would be authorised or required under a new provision to be made, referred or transferred to the Supreme Court. (2) On the commencement, the existing application is transferred to the Supreme Court. (3) The Supreme Court must deal with the existing application as if the application had been made, referred or transferred to the Supreme Court under the new provision. Division 3 Orders and related matters 801 Enforcement of particular tribunal orders (1) This section applies if— (a) before the commencement, the tribunal made— (i) an order under former section 456, former section 462 or former part 4.10; or (ii) an order under the QCAT Act as mentioned in former section 457(1)(b); or 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

Page 59 Authorised by the Parliamentary Counsel [s 95] Legal Profession (Strengthening Disciplinary Matters) Amendment Bill 2026 Part 2 Amendment of Legal Profession Act 2007 (b) after the commencement, the tribunal makes an order mentioned in paragraph (a)(i) or (ii) under section 791. (2) Former section 457 continues to apply in relation to the order as if the amendment Act had not been enacted. 802 Compliance with particular tribunal orders (1) This section applies if— (a) before the commencement, the tribunal made an order under former section 456 or former section 460; or (b) after the commencement, the tribunal makes an order mentioned in paragraph (a) under section 791. (2) Former section 461 continues to apply in relation to the order as if the amendment Act had not been enacted. 803 Confidentiality of client communications relating to discipline application or disciplinary action of tribunal (1) This section applies in relation to— (a) a discipline application the tribunal was hearing under former part 4.9 before the commencement or has continued to hear under section 791 after the commencement; or (b) disciplinary action mentioned in former section 471, definition disciplinary action instigated by the tribunal before the commencement or under section 791 after the commencement. (2) Former section 491 continues to apply in relation 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32

Page 60 Authorised by the Parliamentary Counsel [s 95] Legal Profession (Strengthening Disciplinary Matters) Amendment Bill 2026 Part 2 Amendment of Legal Profession Act 2007 to a requirement under the QCAT Act to answer a question or produce information or a document relating to a matter to which the discipline application or disciplinary action relates. Division 4 Panel members 804 Continuation of appointment of panel member for Supreme Court (1) This section applies to a person who, immediately before the commencement, was appointed as a panel member. (2) From the commencement, the person’s appointment continues for helping the Supreme Court to hear and decide discipline applications. (3) Subsection (2) applies despite the terms of the person’s appointment as a panel member. (4) In a document relating to the person’s appointment as a panel member, a reference to the tribunal may, if the context permits, be taken to be a reference to the Supreme Court. 805 Panel members to finish helping tribunal for hearing (1) This section applies to a panel member if— (a) before the commencement, the panel member was helping the tribunal hear and decide a discipline application; and (b) section 791 applies in relation to the application. (2) The panel member must continue to help the tribunal hear and decide the discipline application under former section 599 as if the amendment Act had not been enacted. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

Page 61 Authorised by the Parliamentary Counsel [s 95] Legal Profession (Strengthening Disciplinary Matters) Amendment Bill 2026 Part 2 Amendment of Legal Profession Act 2007 (3) This section is not affected by section 804. 806 Entitlement of member of practitioner panel to remuneration for helping tribunal (1) This section applies to a member of the practitioner panel who is helping the tribunal hear and decide a discipline application under section 805(2). (2) The panel member is not entitled to be paid remuneration or allowances for sitting with the tribunal in relation to hearing and deciding the discipline application. Division 5 Transitional regulation-making power 807 Transitional regulation-making power (1) A regulation (a transitional regulation) may make provision about a matter for which— (a) it is necessary to make provision to allow or facilitate the doing of anything to achieve the transition from the operation of this Act as in force before the commencement of the amendment Act to the operation of this Act as in force after the commencement of the amendment Act; and (b) this Act does not provide or sufficiently provide. (2) A transitional regulation may have retrospective operation to a day not earlier than the day this section commences. (3) A transitional regulation must declare it is a transitional regulation. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

Page 62 Authorised by the Parliamentary Counsel [s 96] Legal Profession (Strengthening Disciplinary Matters) Amendment Bill 2026 Part 2 Amendment of Legal Profession Act 2007 808 Expiry of division and transitional regulation This division and any transitional regulation under section 807 expire on the day that is 2 years after the day this section commences. 96 Insertion of new sch 1 Before schedule 2— insert— Schedule 1 Procedural provisions for Supreme Court for chapters 6B and 6D sections 581P, 581PP, 581PU and 581QQ Part 1 Provisions for appeals to Supreme Court section 26(4) Associates who are disqualified or convicted persons section 33A Appeal to Supreme Court against board’s refusal to make suitability declaration section 51(9) Grant or renewal of local practising certificate section 54(2) and (4) Applications relating to conditions section 61(3) Amending, suspending or cancelling a local practising certificate section 69(3) Refusal, amendment, suspension or cancellation of local practising certificate because of failure to show cause 1 2 3 4 Clause 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

Page 63 Authorised by the Parliamentary Counsel [s 96] Legal Profession (Strengthening Disciplinary Matters) Amendment Bill 2026 Part 2 Amendment of Legal Profession Act 2007 Part 2 Provisions for decisions or orders of Supreme Court at first instance section 70(3) Restriction on making further application section 76(3) Additional condition on interstate legal practitioner engaging in legal practice in this jurisdiction section 87(5) Health assessment section 183(4) Grant or renewal of local registration section 185(7) Refusal to grant or renew registration section 188(3) Amending, suspending or cancelling registration section 194(3) Refusal, amendment, suspension or cancellation of local registration—failure to show cause section 195(3) Restriction on making further applications section 208(4) Additional conditions on practice of interstate-registered foreign lawyers section 375(3) Time limit for making claims section 377(5) Time limit for making claims following advertisement section 392 Appeal against decision on claim section 469(1) Appeal to Supreme Court against committee’s decision section 32(4) Early consideration of suitability section 62(3) Operation of amendment, suspension or cancellation of local practising certificate 1 2 3 4

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Page 64 Authorised by the Parliamentary Counsel [s 97] Legal Profession (Strengthening Disciplinary Matters) Amendment Bill 2026 Part 2 Amendment of Legal Profession Act 2007 97 Amendment of sch 2 (Dictionary) (1) Schedule 2— insert— decision, of the Supreme Court, for chapter 6D, see section 581QP. decision-maker, for part 8.1, division 3, see section 713C(1)(a). former disciplinary body means— (a) the tribunal as a disciplinary body under this Act as in force before the commencement of this definition; or (b) the tribunal continuing to deal with an existing application under section 791 after the commencement of this definition, if the existing application is, or relates to, an application made to the tribunal under former section 452(1)(a). (2) Schedule 2, definition disciplinary body, paragraph (a)— section 63(9) Immediate amendment or suspension of local practising certificate section 189(3) Operation of amendment, suspension or cancellation of registration section 197(8) Immediate suspension of registration section 393 Application for direction and order for failure to decide claim section 443(4) Powers for investigations section 452(1)(a) Starting proceeding before a disciplinary body section 459(4) Notification and filing of committee orders section 581QB(6) Disclosure of interests Clause 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

Page 65 Authorised by the Parliamentary Counsel [s 98] Legal Profession (Strengthening Disciplinary Matters) Amendment Bill 2026 Part 3 Other amendments omit, insert— (a) the Supreme Court; (3) Schedule 2, definition lay panel, ‘section 607(1)(a)’— omit, insert— section 581PI(1)(a) (4) Schedule 2, definition panel member, ‘part 7.2, division 2’— omit, insert— part 6B.2, division 3 (5) Schedule 2, definition practitioner panel, ‘section 607(1)(b)’— omit, insert— section 581PI(1)(b) Part 3 Other amendments 98 Legislation amended Schedule 1 amends the legislation it mentions. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Clause 14 15

Schedule 1 Legal Profession (Strengthening Disciplinary Matters) Amendment Bill 2026 Page 66 Authorised by the Parliamentary Counsel Schedule 1 Other amendments section 98 Legal Profession Act 2007 1 Section 451(3), ‘sections 650 and 656D’— omit, insert— sections 581PB and 581QK 2 Section 454, note— omit. 3 Section 707(3), ‘642’— omit, insert— 581QC Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 2009 1 Section 149(4), note, from ‘See’— omit. 2 Schedule 3, definition non-publication order, paragraph (f)— omit. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

Schedule 1 Legal Profession (Strengthening Disciplinary Matters) Amendment Bill 2026 Page 67 Authorised by the Parliamentary Counsel © State of Queensland 2026

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Sourced from Queensland Legislation (legislation.qld.gov.au), CC BY 4.0.